Difference between revisions of "Challenger Mk.2"

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{{Specs-Card
 
−
|code=uk_challenger_1
 
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
−
}}
 
 
{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = British medium tank '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| usage = other uses
 
| usage = other uses
 
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 
| link = Challenger (Disambiguation)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=uk_challenger_1
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}_Dozer.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png|ArtImage2_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the ground vehicle in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_ChallengerMk.2.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
−
{{Break}}
 
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
 
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', or just '''{{Specs|pseudonym}}''', is a rank {{Specs|rank}} British medium tank {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
  
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<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe armour protection. Note the most well protected and key weak areas. Appreciate the layout of modules as well as the number and location of crew members. Is the level of armour protection sufficient, is the placement of modules helpful for survival in combat? If necessary use a visual template to indicate the most secure and weak zones of the armour.'' -->
  
−
Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogenous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.
+
Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogeneous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all but the top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60 mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.
  
 
The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.
 
The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.
  
−
Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weakspot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.
+
Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weak spot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.
  
 
Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.
 
Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.
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| Turret || 50* mm (51-54°) <br> 60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25* + 4 mm (1°) ''Front'' <br> 45 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 44 + 4 mm (43-48°) <br> 20 mm (85°) ''Turret underside'' || 38 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear''
 
| Turret || 50* mm (51-54°) <br> 60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm ''Gun mantlet'' || 25* + 4 mm (1°) ''Front'' <br> 45 + 4 mm ''Rear'' || 44 + 4 mm (43-48°) <br> 20 mm (85°) ''Turret underside'' || 38 mm ''Front'' <br> 20 mm ''Rear''
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Armour !! Sides !! Roof
+
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm || 60 mm
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Cupola || 60 mm || 60 mm
+
|}
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides !! Rear !! Roof
+
! Composite armour* !! Front !! Sides
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Hull || '''Front glacis:'''<br>~220 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A || N/A
+
| Hull || '''Front glacis:'''<br>~220 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical''
 +
!
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Turret || '''Turret front:'''<br>~500 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical'' || '''25 mm sections:''' <br> ~ 140 mm @ 0° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~ 300 mm @ 0° against ''Chemical'' || N/A || N/A
+
| Turret || '''Turret front:'''<br>~500 mm @ 60° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~600 mm @ 60° against ''Chemical'' || '''25 mm sections:''' <br> ~ 140 mm @ 0° against ''Kinetic'' <br> ~ 300 mm @ 0° against ''Chemical''
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Write about the mobility of the ground vehicle. Estimate the specific power and manoeuvrability, as well as the maximum speed forwards and backwards.'' -->
  
−
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,860|rbMinHp=1,061}}
+
{{tankMobility|abMinHp=1,886|rbMinHp=1,076}}
  
 
The {{PAGENAME}}'s speed sets it apart from the previous Chieftain tanks, as it is capable of reaching 56 km/h on roads and 46 km/h off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).
 
The {{PAGENAME}}'s speed sets it apart from the previous Chieftain tanks, as it is capable of reaching 56 km/h on roads and 46 km/h off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).
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=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
The FPE module should be a priority, since the fuel tanks are located all around the hull above the tracks, meaning that the tank will be set on fire often. This comes with added protection, however, as the fuel tanks will frequently absorb most shrapnel - protecting the crew and ammunition from the occasional side-shot - giving the player ample time to return fire and eliminate the threat.
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
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{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
 
{{main|L11A5 (120 mm)}}
  
−
The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. L23A1 penetrates angled armour much more efficiently than its predecessor L23, making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.  
+
The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. Despite having worse flat plate penetration (24 mm less than L23 at 1 km), L23A1 penetrates angled armor much more efficiently than its predecessor (29 mm more than L23 at 1 km at 60°), making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! ''Arcade''
 
! ''Arcade''
−
| rowspan="2" | 52 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 29.50 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || rowspan="2" | 8.70 || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__ || rowspan="2" | _.__
+
| rowspan="2" | 52 || rowspan="2" | -10°/+20° || rowspan="2" | ±180° || rowspan="2" | Two-plane || 29.5 || 40.8 || 49.6 || 54.8 || 58.4 || rowspan="2" | 6.50 || rowspan="2" | 5.75 || rowspan="2" | 5.30 || rowspan="2" | 5.00
 
|-
 
|-
 
! ''Realistic''
 
! ''Realistic''
−
| 18.40 || __.__ || __.__ || __.__ || __.__
+
| 18.4 || 21.7 || 26.4 || 29.1 || 31.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==== Ammunition ====
 
==== Ammunition ====
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
+
{{:L11A5 (120 mm)/Ammunition|Shot L23, Shell L31A7, Shot L23A1, L34}}
−
! colspan="8" | Penetration statistics
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! colspan="6" | '''Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)'''
 
−
|-
 
−
! 10 m !! 100 m !! 500 m !! 1,000 m !! 1,500 m !! 2,000 m
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 410 || 408 || 405 || 400 || 390 || 380
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152 || 152
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 396 || 394 || 387 || 376 || 367 || 357
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
−
! colspan="10" | Shell details
 
−
|-
 
−
! rowspan="2" data-sort-type="text" | Ammunition
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Type of<br>warhead
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse delay<br>(m)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Fuse sensitivity<br>(mm)
 
−
! rowspan="2" | Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
! colspan="3" | Ricochet
 
−
|-
 
−
! 0% !! 50% !! 100%
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 76° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shell L31A7 || HESH || 670 || 17.1 || 0.4 || 0.1 || 6,560 || 73° || 77° || 80°
 
−
|-
 
−
| Shot L23A1 || APFSDS || 1,535 || 3.89 || N/A || N/A || N/A || 78° || 80° || 81°
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
! colspan="7" | Smoke shell characteristics
 
−
|-
 
−
! Ammunition
 
−
! Velocity<br>(m/s)
 
−
! Projectile<br>Mass (kg)
 
−
! Screen radius<br>(m)
 
−
! Screen deploy time<br>(s)
 
−
! Screen hold time<br>(s)
 
−
! Explosive Mass<br>(TNT equivalent) (g)
 
−
|-
 
−
| L34 || 670 || 17.1 || 20 || 5 || 25 || 50
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
  
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
 
==== [[Ammo racks]] ====
−
<!-- [[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x250px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]] -->
+
[[File:Ammoracks_{{PAGENAME}}.png|right|thumb|x350px|[[Ammo racks]] of the {{PAGENAME}}]]
 +
<!-- '''Last updated: 2.19.0.82''' -->
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Full<br>ammo
 
! Full<br>ammo
 +
! Ammo<br>part
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 1st<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
 
! 2nd<br>rack empty
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! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 5th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 
! 6th<br>rack empty
 +
|-
 +
|'''52''' ||''Projectiles''<br>''Propellants'' || 50&nbsp;''(+2)''<br>''47 (+5)'' || 47&nbsp;''(+5)''<br>&nbsp;''41 (+11)'' || 45&nbsp;''(+7)''<br>35&nbsp;''(+17)'' || 43&nbsp;''(+9)''<br>29&nbsp;''(+23)'' || 39&nbsp;''(+13)''<br>21&nbsp;''(+31)'' || 37&nbsp;''(+15)''<br>11&nbsp;''(+41)''
 +
|-
 +
! 7th<br>rack empty
 +
! 8th<br>rack empty
 +
! 9th<br>rack empty
 +
! 10th<br>rack empty
 +
! 11th<br>rack empty
 +
! 12th<br>rack empty
 +
! 13th<br>rack empty
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
! Visual<br>discrepancy
 
|-
 
|-
−
| '''52''' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __&nbsp;''(+__)'' || __
+
| 34&nbsp;''(+18)''<br>4&nbsp;''(+48)'' || 27&nbsp;''(+25)''<br>1&nbsp;''(+51)'' || 22&nbsp;''(+30)''<br>&nbsp; || 21&nbsp;''(+31)''<br>&nbsp; || 7&nbsp;''(+45)''<br>&nbsp; || 4&nbsp;''(+38)''<br>&nbsp; || 1&nbsp;''(+51)''<br>&nbsp; || No
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
'''Notes''':
 +
 +
* Packing only 29 rounds will keep the front hull empty of charges.
 +
* All propellant charges are protected by a box of 5 mm of steel
  
 
=== Machine guns ===
 
=== Machine guns ===
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Pintle || 3,600 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±120°
+
| Pintle || 3,600 (100) || 650 || -10°/+50° || ±180°
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
! Mount !! Capacity (Belt) !! Fire rate !! Vertical !! Horizontal
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Coaxial || 2,400 (200) || 600 || N/A || N/A
+
| Coaxial || 2,400 (200) || 600 || - || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the vehicle, the features of using vehicles in the team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but instead give the reader food for thought. Describe the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar play style to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the [[Chieftain Mk 10]]. Most of the armour's weakpoints could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.
+
New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar playstyle to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the [[Chieftain Mk 10]]. Most of the armour's weak points could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.
  
 
When encountering common enemies:
 
When encountering common enemies:
  
−
* [[T-64B]]: L23A1 APFSDS can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is difficult. The drivers port weakspot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of return fire
+
* [[T-64B]]: L23A1 can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is very difficult. The drivers port weak spot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of returning fire.
−
* [[T-64A (1971)]]: APFSDS will go right through the front of this tank, but the Challenger can still be penetrated by the top APFSDS (3BM12) in the weak spot on the turret's leading edge.
+
* [[T-64A (1971)]]: L23 will go right through the hull even at 2 km, but the Challenger can still be immobilized and disarmed if even 3BK12M (stock HEATFS) is fired at the breech, which will break the turret ring, the breech and possibly the engine.
−
* [[Leopard 2K]]: Probably the most dangerous opponent, as its APFSDS can go right through the upper front plate and parts of the turret. Shoot anywhere but the front of the turret, unless trying to take out the Leo's cannon barrel.
+
* [[Leopard 2K]]: Shoot anywhere honestly. Shooting its right cheek will knock out the gunner and TC.  Shooting the UFP under its left cheek detonates the turret ammo storage. Shooting just left of the driver's port can even cause a total crew knock-out instantly, even with L23 at 1000 m. Just be aware that DM13 and DM23 will have no issues penetrating your hull either.
−
* [[Leopard A1A1]]: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weakspot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere.
+
* [[Leopard A1A1]]: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weak spot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere near hull centre or low turret area.
−
 
 
−
=== Modules ===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Mobility
 
−
! Protection
 
−
! colspan="3" | Firepower
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Tracks
 
−
|
 
−
| Parts
 
−
| Horizontal Drive
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
| Suspension
 
−
| Brake System
 
−
| FPE
 
−
| Adjustment of Fire
 
−
| NVD
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Filters
 
−
|
 
−
| Crew Replenishment
 
−
| Elevation Mechanism
 
−
| L34
 
−
| Smoke grenade
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
| Transmission
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
| Laser rangefinder
 
−
| Shot L23A1
 
−
| Artillery Support
 
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
The FPE module should be a priority, since the fuel tanks are located all around the hull above the tracks, meaning that the tank will be set on fire often. This comes with added protection, however, as the fuel tanks will frequently absorb most shrapnel - protecting the crew and ammunition from the occasional side-shot - giving the player ample time to return fire and eliminate the threat.
 
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection for both hull and turret
+
* Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection on hull and turret
−
* Very accurate main gun with good gun stabilizers and decent stock APFSDS shell
+
* Very accurate main gun with effective gun stabilizers, depression angles and decent stock APFSDS shell
−
* Very good mobility for it weight and size
+
* Decent mobility for its weight and size: a drastic increase and from all previous British MBTs
−
* Good APFSDS shells
+
* Great hull down performance that multiplies armour efficiency, especially at long ranges
−
* Good forward and reverse speed
+
* No stock HEATFS shells unlike most counterparts at the rank, easing the module research
 +
* One of the few MBTs that has access to a smoke shell for the main gun; with the auxiliary HESH against light armour
 
* Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with [[Type 90]]/[[Type 90 (B)]]
 
* Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with [[Type 90]]/[[Type 90 (B)]]
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
* Large target
+
* Only 4 rounds of first-stage ammunition, then it can take up to 8.7 seconds to reload the gun until ready rack replenishes again
−
* Driver's optics weakspot on the upper frontal plate
+
* Large and tall target, with the accessible Driver's optics weak spot on the upper frontal plate and vulnerable hull armour
−
* No composite armour on lower glacis plate and rear of the turret
+
* No external composite or reactive armour
−
* HESH shell largely useless
+
* HESH shell is generally useless against other MBTs
−
* Very thin armour protection
+
* Ammunition and charges takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
−
* Ammunition takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
+
* Firepower, mobility or armour characteristic are outmatched by tanks as [[Leopard 2 (Family)]], [[Ariete (Family)]] or [[T-80 (Family)]]
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the vehicle in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lackluster and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.
+
In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lacklustre and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.
  
−
The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2"" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger's mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.
+
The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2"" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120 mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger's mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.
  
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|Devblog]]''
 
''- From [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|Devblog]]''
Line 279: Line 205:
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=uk_challenger_1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 +
;Videos
 
{{Youtube-gallery|dglE5EGyY0o|'''The Shooting Range #87''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|dglE5EGyY0o|'''The Shooting Range #87''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.}}
  
Line 290: Line 222:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the tank;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  
 
* [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|[Devblog] Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/5323-development-challenger-1-a-worthy-heir-en|[Devblog] Challenger 1: A Worthy Heir]]
  
 +
{{TankManufacturer Department of Tank Design}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}
 
{{Britain medium tanks}}

Latest revision as of 23:08, 23 March 2024

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
This page is about the British medium tank Challenger Mk.2. For other uses, see Challenger (Disambiguation).
Challenger Mk.2
uk_challenger_1.png
GarageImage Challenger Mk.2.jpg
GarageImage Challenger Mk.2 Dozer.jpg
ArtImage Challenger Mk.2.png
ArtImage2 Challenger Mk.2.png
Challenger Mk.2
Britain flag.png Britain
VII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
10.3 10.3 10.3
Class:
Research:260 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:710 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Tank, Combat, 120-mm Gun, Challenger Mk.2, or just Challenger Mk.2, is a rank VII British medium tank with a battle rating of 10.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm".

General info

Survivability and armour

Composite armour
Balanced protection against all types of ammunition
Smoke grenades
Creation of a smoke screen in front of the vehicle
Self-entrenching equipment
Creation of ramparts and trenches in soft ground
Armourfront / side / back
Hull80 / 38 / 25
Turret110 / 80 / 44
Crew4 people
Visibility88 %

Like the Chieftain Mk 10, the Challenger has a very strong turret front, with composite armour protecting the entire front and part of the sides. The turret front can resist up to 470 mm of rolled homogeneous armour equivalency (RHAe) against long-rod kinetic (~550 mm RHAe against rounds without the long-rod slope modifier) and up to 600 mm against chemical penetrators. This theoretically makes the strongest part of the turret frontally invulnerable to all but the top-rank kinetic ammunition in the game. In practice, however, there is a weak spot on the lower leading edge of the turret front, where the backing plate of the composite inside the turret flattens to a 90° angle. This reduces the effective thickness of the lower turret cheeks by approximately 100 mm, making it vulnerable to most long-rod APFSDS. A small portion of the turret front, the area just around the gun, is unprotected by composite armour and is 200 mm of CHA with a 50 mm RHA spall liner. This area extends above the gun and transitions to 60 mm CHA at 60°. While these areas are small and unlikely to lead to catastrophic damage when hit (the gun breech will tend to soak up shrapnel), they are important to be wary of.

The Challenger's turret sides are similar to many top-rank MBTs - they can only resist enemy fire at relatively high angles of attack. Protection is 140 mm RHAe against kinetic and 300 mm RHAe against chemical shells, meaning that the armour can only resist autocannon fire and low-calibre HEAT when struck dead-on.

Compared its turret, the Challenger hull is significantly weaker against kinetic projectiles with only 220 mm of RHAe (~300 mm for projectiles without the long-rod slope modifier) on the UFP. Chemical protection in this area is similar to the turret at 600 mm RHAe. An exception to these numbers is the area directly above the driver's hatch, which is not covered by composite armour and is vulnerable to essentially any anti-tank ammunition. The lower frontal plate is also lacking composite and is comprised of a single 70 mm RHA plate at a slight angle, providing ~80-90 mm of effective thickness. Shots to the LFP will at least incapacitate the driver, or more likely catastrophically detonate the hull ammunition. British tankers should be quite used to this weak spot by this point, as the weak LFP is present on the entire Chieftain line. However, the upper third of the LFP shares some of the UFP's composite protection due to its design. This means that the upper third of the LFP has slightly more protection than the lower sections.

Hull sides are generally very weak, as is typical of top-rank MBTs. The upper hull (above the tracks) is comprised of a 20 mm RHA + fuel tanks + 25 mm RHA array. The lower hull (around the tracks) is comprised of 19 mm aluminium side skirts and 34 mm RHA.

Armour type:

  • Composite armour (hull UFP, turret front and sides)
  • Rolled homogeneous armour (hull)
  • Cast homogeneous armour (gun "mantlet")
  • Aluminium (side skirts)
Armour Front (Slope angle) Sides Rear Roof
Hull 38-50* mm (60-81°) Front glacis
70 mm (30°) Lower glacis 		20 mm (0-3°), 25 mm (74°) Top
34 + 19 mm Bottom 		20 mm (29°) Top
25 mm (30°) 		20 mm
8 mm Engine grille
Turret 50* mm (51-54°)
60 mm (55-56°), 200 mm Gun mantlet 		25* + 4 mm (1°) Front
45 + 4 mm Rear 		44 + 4 mm (43-48°)
20 mm (85°) Turret underside 		38 mm Front
20 mm Rear
Cupola 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm 60 mm
Composite armour* Front Sides
Hull Front glacis:
~220 mm @ 60° against Kinetic
~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical
Turret Turret front:
~500 mm @ 60° against Kinetic
~600 mm @ 60° against Chemical 		25 mm sections:
~ 140 mm @ 0° against Kinetic
~ 300 mm @ 0° against Chemical

Notes:

  • Suspension wheels, torsion bars, and tracks are 20 mm thick.
  • Turret ring is 60 mm thick.
  • 20-25 mm RHA plates surround the fuel tanks on the hull sides.
  • Hull composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 200 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.
  • Front turret composite armour configuration is 50 mm RHA + 600 mm NERA elements + 110 mm RHA.
  • Turret side composite armour configuration is 25 mm RHA + 300 mm NERA elements + 80 mm RHA.

Mobility

Speedforward / back
AB62 / 41 km/h
RB and SB56 / 37 km/h
Number of gears8 forward
6 back
Weight62.5 t
Engine power
AB2 322 hp
RB and SB1 217 hp
Power-to-weight ratio
AB37.2 hp/t
RB and SB19.5 hp/t
Game Mode Max Speed (km/h) Weight (tons) Engine power (horsepower) Power-to-weight ratio (hp/ton)
Forward Reverse Stock Upgraded Stock Upgraded
Arcade 62 41 62.5 1,886 2,322 30.18 37.15
Realistic 56 37 1,076 1,217 17.22 19.47

The Challenger Mk.2's speed sets it apart from the previous Chieftain tanks, as it is capable of reaching 56 km/h on roads and 46 km/h off-road. Reverse speed is also a noticeable improvement from the Chieftain line. Despite this, the 62 ton mass of this vehicle makes it the slowest of its high-rank contemporaries (e.g. Abrams, Leopard, and Type 90).

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB4 239 → 6 612 Sl icon.png
RB4 108 → 6 408 Sl icon.png
SB4 801 → 7 489 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications207 300 Rp icon.png
350 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost2 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training200 000 Sl icon.png
Experts710 000 Sl icon.png
Aces2 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 080 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
150 / 200 / 250 % Sl icon.png
232 / 232 / 232 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Mobility Protection Firepower
Mods new tank traks.png
Tracks
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank suspension.png
Suspension
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank break.png
Brake System
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank filter.png
Filters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank transmission.png
Transmission
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank engine.png
Engine
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank tool kit.png
Improved Parts
Research:
3 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods extinguisher.png
Improved FPE
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods tank reinforcement uk.png
Crew Replenishment
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods smoke screen.png
Smoke grenade
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank horizontal aiming.png
Horizontal Drive
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_Smoke_ammo_pack
Research:
11 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
17 000 Sl icon.png
350 Ge icon.png
Mods tank cannon.png
Adjustment of Fire
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods dozer blade.png
Dozer Blade
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
16 000 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods new tank vertical aiming.png
Elevation Mechanism
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods thermal sight.png
NVD
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods tank laser rangefinder.png
Laser rangefinder
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods tank ammo.png
120mm_britain_L23A1_APDSFS_ammo_pack
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png
Mods art support.png
Artillery Support
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
19 000 Sl icon.png
380 Ge icon.png

The FPE module should be a priority, since the fuel tanks are located all around the hull above the tracks, meaning that the tank will be set on fire often. This comes with added protection, however, as the fuel tanks will frequently absorb most shrapnel - protecting the crew and ammunition from the occasional side-shot - giving the player ample time to return fire and eliminate the threat.

Armaments

Laser rangefinder
Reduces the error and increases the maximum measurable distance of the rangefinder
Night vision device
Improves visibility by enhancing natural light or active illumination.
Thermal imager
Allows to see thermal radiation in the infrared range day and night

Main armament

120 mm L11A5 cannon
Two-plane stabilizer
Reduces the swing of the gun in two planes while moving
Ammunition52 rounds
First-order3 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
6.5 → 5.0 s
Vertical guidance-10° / 20°
Main article: L11A5 (120 mm)

The Challenger bears the 120 mm L11A5, an updated but essentially identical version of the gun found on the Chieftains. It has access to the same rounds as the Chieftain Mk 10, with the notable addition of the L23A1 APFSDS ammunition. Despite having worse flat plate penetration (24 mm less than L23 at 1 km), L23A1 penetrates angled armor much more efficiently than its predecessor (29 mm more than L23 at 1 km at 60°), making it especially useful for dealing with Russian late T-series hulls.

120 mm L11A5 Turret rotation speed (°/s) Reloading rate (seconds)
Mode Capacity Vertical Horizontal Stabilizer Stock Upgraded Full Expert Aced Stock Full Expert Aced
Arcade 52 -10°/+20° ±180° Two-plane 29.5 40.8 49.6 54.8 58.4 6.50 5.75 5.30 5.00
Realistic 18.4 21.7 26.4 29.1 31.0

Ammunition

Penetration statistics
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Penetration @ 0° Angle of Attack (mm)
10 m 100 m 500 m 1,000 m 1,500 m 2,000 m
Shot L23 APFSDS 410 408 405 400 390 380
Shell L31A7 HESH 152 152 152 152 152 152
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 396 394 387 376 367 357
Shell details
Ammunition Type of
warhead 		Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Fuse delay
(m) 		Fuse sensitivity
(mm) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (kg) 		Ricochet
0% 50% 100%
Shot L23 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Shell L31A7 HESH 670 17.34 0.1 4 6.53 73° 77° 80°
Shot L23A1 APFSDS 1,535 3.89 - - - 78° 80° 81°
Smoke shell characteristics
Ammunition Velocity
(m/s) 		Projectile
mass (kg) 		Screen radius
(m) 		Screen deploy
time (s) 		Screen hold
time (s) 		Explosive mass
(TNT equivalent) (g)
L34 670 17.1 20 5 25 50

Ammo racks

Ammo racks of the Challenger Mk.2
Full
ammo 		Ammo
part 		1st
rack empty 		2nd
rack empty 		3rd
rack empty 		4th
rack empty 		5th
rack empty 		6th
rack empty
52 Projectiles
Propellants 		50 (+2)
47 (+5) 		47 (+5)
 41 (+11) 		45 (+7)
35 (+17) 		43 (+9)
29 (+23) 		39 (+13)
21 (+31) 		37 (+15)
11 (+41)
7th
rack empty 		8th
rack empty 		9th
rack empty 		10th
rack empty 		11th
rack empty 		12th
rack empty 		13th
rack empty 		Visual
discrepancy
34 (+18)
4 (+48) 		27 (+25)
1 (+51) 		22 (+30)
  		21 (+31)
  		7 (+45)
  		4 (+38)
  		1 (+51)
  		No

Notes:

  • Packing only 29 rounds will keep the front hull empty of charges.
  • All propellant charges are protected by a box of 5 mm of steel

Machine guns

7.62 mm L8A2 machine gun (coaxial)
Ammunition2 400 rounds
Belt capacity200 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate1 001 shots/min
7.62 mm L37A2 machine gun
Ammunition3 600 rounds
Belt capacity100 rounds
Reloadbasic crew → aces
10.4 → 8.0 s
Fire rate650 shots/min
Main articles: L37A2 (7.62 mm), L8A2 (7.62 mm)
7.62 mm L37A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Pintle 3,600 (100) 650 -10°/+50° ±180°
7.62 mm L8A2
Mount Capacity (Belt) Fire rate Vertical Horizontal
Coaxial 2,400 (200) 600 - -

Usage in battles

New drivers of the Challenger 1 will appreciate a similar playstyle to the earlier Chieftain tanks, particularly the Chieftain Mk 10. Most of the armour's weak points could be minimized by assuming a hull-down position on the incline of a hill, and using the Challenger's excellent -10° of gun depression to keep the gun on target. This will increase the angle of the turret and thus increase the effective thickness of the back-plate on the turret.

When encountering common enemies:

  • T-64B: L23A1 can theoretically penetrate the UFP, but it is very difficult. The drivers port weak spot is the recommended target from the front. If not possible, aim for the breech/cannon barrel to eliminate the threat of returning fire.
  • T-64A (1971): L23 will go right through the hull even at 2 km, but the Challenger can still be immobilized and disarmed if even 3BK12M (stock HEATFS) is fired at the breech, which will break the turret ring, the breech and possibly the engine.
  • Leopard 2K: Shoot anywhere honestly. Shooting its right cheek will knock out the gunner and TC. Shooting the UFP under its left cheek detonates the turret ammo storage. Shooting just left of the driver's port can even cause a total crew knock-out instantly, even with L23 at 1000 m. Just be aware that DM13 and DM23 will have no issues penetrating your hull either.
  • Leopard A1A1: Its APFSDS poses a risk to the weak spot on the turret, but only if it gets the first shot off. Shoot anywhere near hull centre or low turret area.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Good composite armour for both kinetic and chemical protection on hull and turret
  • Very accurate main gun with effective gun stabilizers, depression angles and decent stock APFSDS shell
  • Decent mobility for its weight and size: a drastic increase and from all previous British MBTs
  • Great hull down performance that multiplies armour efficiency, especially at long ranges
  • No stock HEATFS shells unlike most counterparts at the rank, easing the module research
  • One of the few MBTs that has access to a smoke shell for the main gun; with the auxiliary HESH against light armour
  • Reload can get down to 5 seconds, fastest firing 120 mm along with Type 90/Type 90 (B)

Cons:

  • Only 4 rounds of first-stage ammunition, then it can take up to 8.7 seconds to reload the gun until ready rack replenishes again
  • Large and tall target, with the accessible Driver's optics weak spot on the upper frontal plate and vulnerable hull armour
  • No external composite or reactive armour
  • HESH shell is generally useless against other MBTs
  • Ammunition and charges takes a lot of space (easy to hit)
  • Firepower, mobility or armour characteristic are outmatched by tanks as Leopard 2 (Family), Ariete (Family) or T-80 (Family)

History

In 1977, the Iranian government ordered an improved version of the Chieftain tank, which was arguably the best main battle tank (MBT) in service at its time. The Chieftain offered unparalleled protection and firepower; however, its mobility was lacklustre and something its successor needed to improve upon. In response, the engineers at the MVEE created the Chieftain Mk.5(P), from which three additional prototypes were created. It was one of these prototypes that would become the basis for the Challenger 1. Unfortunately, after the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the fall of the Shah, Iran canceled its order for an improved Chieftain. In addition, a parallel British tank project (the MBT90) was also abandoned, and the British Army quickly became a new potential customer for a new MBT.

The Challenger's design was based on the cancelled project called "Shir-2"" planned for export to Iran, and retained its deadly 120 mm gun and superb armour. The Challenger was also equipped with Chobham armour, a composite armour made from multiple layers of different materials. The additional materials gave the Challenger its distinctive, heavily-sloped armour on the front of the turret and upper glacis. The Challenger's mobility and off-road capabilities were significantly improved with the installation of a new 1,200 horsepower Rolls-Royce engine and hydropneumatic suspension. The Challenger 1 entered production and service in 1983. Production ended in 1990, having yielded a total of about 420 vehicles. It served primarily with British forces during the Gulf War. It was also used in peacekeeping missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the mid 1990s, and Jordan still operates a number of Challenger 1 tanks to this day. The Challenger 1 was withdrawn from active service by 2001 and later replaced by the Challenger 2.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #87 - Metal Beasts section at 00:35 discusses the Challenger Mk.2.

See also

Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:

  • reference to the series of the vehicles;
  • links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.

External links


Department of Tank Design
Medium Tanks 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"
MBTs 
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Action X · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10
Challenger*  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Tank Destroyers 
Achilles  Achilles · Achilles (65 Rg.)
Centurion-based  Conway · FV4005
Export 
Sherman Firefly  Sherman Ic · ▄Sherman Vc
Centurion  Centurion Mk.5/1 · Strv 81 · Strv 81 (RB 52) · ▄Strv 81 (RB 52) · Strv 101 · Strv 104** · Strv 105** · Sho't
See also  US Ordnance Department · Israeli Ordnance Corps · Vickers-Armstrongs Limited
  *By successor, the Military Vehicles and Engineering Establishment
  **Swedish modernizations incorporating innovations from the Israeli Sho't Kals.

Britain medium tanks
Valentine  Valentine I · Valentine IX · Valentine XI
Cromwell  Cromwell I · Cromwell V · Cromwell V (RP-3)
Cromwell derivatives  Challenger · Avenger · Comet I · Comet I "Iron Duke IV" · Charioteer Mk VII
Centurion  Centurion Mk 1 · Centurion Mk.2 · Centurion Mk 3 · Centurion Mk.5 AVRE · Centurion Mk 10 · Centurion Action X · FV4202
Vickers MBT  Vickers Mk.1 · Vickers Mk.3 · Vickers Mk.7
Chieftain  Chieftain Mk 3 · Chieftain Mk 5 · Chieftain Mk 10
Challenger 1  Challenger Mk.2 · Challenger Mk.3 · Challenger DS
Challenger 2  Challenger 2 · Challenger 2 (2F) · Challenger 2 TES · Challenger 2 OES · Challenger 2E · Challenger 2 Black Night
Challenger 3  Challenger 3 TD
Australia  A.C.I · A.C.IV · Centurion Mk.5/1
South Africa  Olifant Mk.1A · Olifant Mk.2 · TTD
India  Vijayanta · Bhishma TWMP
Israel  ▄Sho't Kal Dalet
Jordan  Khalid
Sweden  ▄Strv 81 (RB 52)
USA  Grant I · Sherman II · Sherman Firefly · Sherman IC "Trzyniec"

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